Spring, Oh! Spring?
Can we count on El Niño continuing through the spring, or will we be faced with paying the consequences for one of the warmest January and February months on record?
In late February we expect to see the return of the cedar waxwings and a few robins to feed on the crabapple and hawthorn fruit. This year they came in early February. Flowering Skunk Cabbage can be located in the swampy areas in Hedges Boyer Park. Witch Hazel, a shrubby plant of rich woods, such as the ravine at the Boy Ranger Camp, flowers throughout the winter.
In January we normally see squirrels chasing one another which eventually leads to a new brood about 45 days later. It is a mystery to me how their leaf nests high in the trees stay together during the howling winds of February and March.
Signs of an early spring abound. George and Marilyn Barlow report snow drops flowering in early February. Daffodil buds are clearly visible. Crocus is flowering in protected areas. Small white flowers of chickweed, a small decumbent weedy plant in gardens started flowering over a week ago. At the south-east corner of Washington and Circular streets, a forsythia bush was in full bloom by February 20th. Most forsythias are ready to open with three or four days of warmer temperatures.
Silver maples are in full flower and their bud scales should soon drop. We hear February has been fantastic for maple syrup production. Once silver maples start to flower, the syrup becomes stronger and darker. The Feindel Sugar Bush camp is sponsoring a Fest on March 8th from 10:30 to 3 p.m.. To reach the camp, travel a mile west of Bascom on Rte. 18 and then one half mile north on Twp. Rd. 10. The Feindels produce great maple syrup from their mostly silver maple trees. What a great family operation!
Robins and grackles are back in full force. Juncos are chasing each other. Their paring precedes their northern migration to nesting areas.
Tufted titmice with their call of he-ere, he-ere are staking out their territory. The cardinals whistle their spring calls of wheat, wheat, tu-u, tu-u, tu-u which generally forecast rain. Song sparrows make their springtime song. Jean Knoblaugh informs us that the bald eagles are nesting much earlier than usual.
last year, the flowers of magnolia and forsythia were all killed just as they opened. Is it going to happen again? I consider March a winter month. There is still the possibility of heavy frost throughout April.
We have several young redbud trees in our yard. Give us a call after March 15th (447-2896), bring containers. and we will help you dig a free redbud.
We invite our readers to call or write to us if you would like us to write about a subject you think would be of interest in our local area. In two weeks I will write about moles. If you have remedies, please let me know.
- Percy